The 4th Philippine Book Festival (PBF) is set to bring together book lovers, writers, publishers, educators, and creatives in a celebration of Filipino literature and storytelling. Organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the festival continues to grow as the country’s premier event dedicated exclusively to Filipino books and published works.
Here are some important things you should know about this year’s festival.
1. It Will Be Held at SM Megamall from March 12 to 15, 2026
The festival will take place at Megatrade Hall, 5th Floor of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City from March 12 to 15, 2026.
For the first time, Day 1 (March 12) will be open to the general public, allowing more readers to join the event alongside book evaluators from the Department of Education (DepEd).
2. It Is the Only Festival Dedicated Exclusively to Filipino Books
The Philippine Book Festival is the country’s only marketplace dedicated solely to all-Filipino books and published works. It serves as a gathering place where publishers, writers, illustrators, educators, and readers can connect and celebrate local literature.
According to NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade, the continued public interest in the event reflects a growing appreciation for Filipino stories, culture, languages, and lived experiences.
3. The Festival Features Four Unique Literary Realms
This year’s festival introduces a rainforest-inspired theme and reimagines its four signature realms:
- Aral Aklat – focuses on educational materials such as textbooks and teaching guides.
- Booktopia – showcases Filipino fiction and nonfiction books.
- Kid Lit – features interactive experiences designed for young readers.
- Komiks – celebrates Filipino comics and graphic storytelling.
Each realm offers a unique environment where visitors can explore different aspects of Philippine literature.
4. Renowned Authors, Artists, and Creators Will Be Present
Festival attendees will have the chance to meet some of the most respected names in Philippine literature and the creative industry. These include:
- National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee
- National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario
- Historian Ambeth Ocampo
Also joining the event are bestselling authors and creators such as Jonaxx, Ron Canimo, Eugene Evasco, Luis Gatmaitan, Manix Abrera, and Pol Medina.
GMA Network, in partnership with PaperKat Books, will also launch “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” during the festival.
5. Visitors Can Enjoy Multiple Interactive Spaces
Beyond the themed realms, the festival will offer several dedicated spaces for learning and engagement:
- Lugar Lagdaan – book signings and author meet-and-greet sessions
- Bahay Ilustrador – exhibitions featuring Filipino illustrators
- Gubat ng Karunungan – workshops, talks, and masterclasses
- Fiesta Stage – major programs and performances
- Umpukan – casual community discussions
These spaces are designed to encourage collaboration and interaction among members of the literary community.
6. Rare Historical Works Will Be Featured
In cooperation with the National Library of the Philippines, the festival will showcase facsimiles of rare and historically significant works, including:
- José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere
- Doctrina Christiana
- Fr. Manuel Blanco’s Flora de Filipinas
These works highlight the deep literary heritage of the Philippines.
7. The 43rd National Book Awards Will Be Held During the Festival
A major highlight of the event is the 43rd National Book Awards, scheduled on March 14 at the Fiesta Stage.
The awards recognize authors, illustrators, editors, translators, and publishers whose works have significantly contributed to the Philippine literary landscape.
8. This Year’s Theme Is “Gubat ng Karunungan”
The 2026 festival carries the theme “Gubat ng Karunungan” (Rainforest of Knowledge), symbolizing the richness and diversity of ideas found in books.
The festival’s key visual, created by artist and designer Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza, follows two characters—Yaz and Ye-ey—as they journey through a lush rainforest filled with flora, fauna, and waterfalls.
Inspired by his life near Mount Banahaw in Lucban, Quezon, Atienza incorporated recycled paper into the artwork as a symbolic reminder that the same trees that give us paper also carry the stories we share.
9. The Festival Supports the Philippine Publishing Industry
Beyond being a literary celebration, the Philippine Book Festival also serves as a meeting ground for the publishing and education sectors. By bringing together publishers, educators, institutional buyers, and readers in one venue, the festival aims to expand access to quality Filipino books and strengthen the local publishing industry.
As Aquino-Tugade emphasized, the vision is to help transform the Philippines into “not just a nation of readers, but a global powerhouse of authors and creators.”
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